There is a great blessing in resting in the assurance of the blood of Christ for our salvation, but it is far more of a blessing to know we have resurrection life---a life that lives on the other side of death and judgments---a life that instinctively lives by the faith of the knowledge of what we have become in the new creation--- a life that looks to heaven ever upward and is not aliened to the flesh or the earth and the world system as occupation---a life that enjoys the same taste, feelings, and joys suited to the Father and the Son--- a life which is untouchable by sin, Satan, the world system or the law.
The above is the description of the life God has designed for us to live in the here and now. Why oh why would we opt for another? Yet most Christians do!
There is a great advantage in the loneliness of a needful heart, one is motivated to find something to fill the deep burning desire for completeness.... if only for momentary release. However if one has found the living God to fill the void, of course guided by His destiny, then truly a miracle has taken place and its forever. But with that gift comes responsibility; we must learn to maintain His destiny in what He has prescribed, a new Christian identification awareness. In which we may take diligent action toward knowing Him. By building knowledge toward a growing faith; a knowingly in occupation immaterial faith. A existence positioned in Him formed in our mind where we will walk worthy of His grace in thoughtful release. In other words, not in the self identification or actions of earthly men as to any connection with His esteem toward us.
In order to live this new life of honoring Him, as partakers of our position before Him, gained for us within His Son's worthiness, now applied to us, we must become dedicated to one object; Christ Himself, fully in faith of Him as our true life, our spiritual life. Thus making use of His gift, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus".
We will learn He is not merely a representative or simply a substitute, but our true reality before the mind of God affording us a new life we may actively live now. A life within our mind lived in the identification of Christ Jesus. Holding the mental concept of our existence, as formed by the faith of Him, as life. And Him as our true place of a spiritually based communion within Him where He is. A spiritual faith based presence with the Father Himself. This life in accomplishment is a matter of our will via our new creation renewed mind all made by His Spirit in us. Living aware of this new spiritual inner life honors Him and living it in a faith brought to us and made real and experiential by His Spirit is made known to us by His word. "The Lord directs your hearts into the love of God" 2 Thess. 3:5.
Does this biblical mandated mental vision of true Christianity require all the actions of the Christian to be accomplished in a new spiritual identify thereby causing a subjective behavioral change? Well yes and no. The NO is we can know by a new creature awareness of faith, that we may rest in a absolute fact within our soul and mind, that the way we are seen by God is the exact way/value and in the very Person of His Son; by learning it from His Word. "I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehend of Christ Jesus' Phil. 3:12. This is a big positive NO if learned inwardly as to any flesh requirement, involves no work as it is steeped in Grace, and produces a life which over time is outwardly affected.
The sad yes is we are relinquished to the earth, trapped in a Adam flesh condition, [the one rejected by God and condemned to death] which is by nature self centered and which also influences our actions, including so called "godly, traditional behavior" which is in fact often simply our earth bound self in action. The very one put to death with Christ Jesus upon the cross, because his actions produced only sin. But never fear all works for His Glory toward His will.
In order to cope with this dichotomy [two natures] however we must come to know one thing: That our inner mans actions, all of our behavior, both selfish and loving, sinful and sacrificial, is used for the glory of God in us. We have inherited His Glory by His judicial decree. The great gift is He has formed us into His Son in His mind and He has declared us innocent. Jesus Christ being His only avenue of judicial and heavenly recognition of us, thus making us free [not guilty] in spirit as seen by Him.
For our benefit here in our earthly condition however He is forming our soul and mind, into privileged awareness of living His Sons life, by knowledge to be lived in faith. All in order for us to apprehend the new creatures we have become in "His Spirit". We will come to know His Son's image as ours before Him by a needful belief first, followed by forming a intelligent faith in apprehension of His Holy view. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind".
If we allow in any way the thoughts that what we are or do [works/service] will effect how God sees us or what God is toward us we become controlled by our sinful self-centered nature or the Adam man. But when we come to see that what God is toward [how we are appraised] us is entirely the natural formation of who we are identified as within His application of His love and divine will we live His life; entirely accomplished wholly within Christ Jesus His Son.
It is thus we are allowed [can know] that we are seen in Christ by Him because He loves us. And He is showing us that He is realized in our conscience as identification life and therefore in that worthy mindset capable of honoring Him as partakers of Himself. To be realized only through faith in His ways toward us in His Son. All to be lived through a responsible faith application, never defined by our experiences. But by knowing then believing we are thus transferring His words unalterable truth toward the apprehension of what He sees when He views us. All realized in faith, and in no other way. "Without faith it is impossible to please God".
Faith of this fact is His criteria for participation in a conscious way of the spiritual life or eternal life He Has made for us, which may now be enjoyed actively only in a renewed mind. Of course this true life is made possible in us by His Holy Spirit brought to our apprehension by the word and then entering our soul; through altering our thoughts, our very minds renewal. It is thus we become "partakers of the divine nature". All brought to us by what really is a matriculation of the mind. This is the manifestation of the life of Christ Jesus in us! His mind His thoughts. We knowing His very appraisal of us with no conditions, complete inclusion within Him, as to our new creation status, the alive awareness of eternity now in action here on earth.
But are we as believers even aware of His nature as active in us? The great inclusion that which we are made partakers of. In other words are we walking worthy of the knowing of His life in us? "Walk worthy of the Lord" Eph. 4:1.
Most all of the letters Paul wrote to the Churches contained a note of admonishment. Perhaps the early believers started off on the fresh Godly path [the heavenly/spiritual sanctification of their inner thoughts] but soon they strayed. We also have the same issues. We tend to teach that which was really originally Paul's inspired corrective commands from God to believers for their minds transformation, in a way that is often presented presently as encouragement to behave/live our life in certain ways as a attainment. In other words creating laws [guidelines' of proper living] within the boundaries of grace. Makin His words mere conditions for godly living.
In our modern approach we often do not see that Paul was guiding his disciples to a corrective truth for their realization of freedom in spirit. Encouraging them to abandon any hope for themselves as natural Adam men in their church /personal conduct. We unfortunately have in todays world followed the same old well worn worldly interposition of the Christians Adam man condition life induced by the flesh just as those of old.
We like them have missed something. The very thing Paul was encouraging his charge to return too. Namely the not adding to Christianity the traditions developed in the world, and to gain a apprehension of our co-death to Adam and the world in Christ. That is; to walk worthy we must know our position both in death and in life to know of a new creation life in the Lord Jesus Christ. All contained in our inner man, a heavenly spiritual life. A new life that will bear conscious fruit and develop our soul and sub-conscious completing us in His Son. A life to be occupied heart and soul with Him in a new awareness of spirit induced by faith. The true secret of Christianity is in a new identity discovered thus gaining the privilege to carry ourselves as true men and women of God! "Walking worthy".
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Thursday, June 16, 2016
THE NEW CREATION ATTRACTION
"The knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ is the bases for the believers life. That is it underlies our very relationship with God.; it underlies all our growth in grace; it underlies every fragment of our service. There is nothing which comes within the compass of the life of the Christian which does not depend upon the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ".
Having made a needful heart commitment to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is a all important first step in the life of all "new creation" believers, but there is more, far more! "If any one be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new" 2 Cor. 5:17. The great loss is most simply stay permanently anchored to their new found hope at that early stage and are influenced by the old mans level of knowledge. In other words they have made His acquaintance and certainly He has fully taken them into eternity. But the believer often remains in his former world and is satisfied with being immature spiritually. He therefore maintains/remains in a internal mental actualization of his former self, due to a lack of knowledge of what has truly taken place in the all new creation. This is not what God wishes for His children and He has made that very clear! He prescribes our travels accordingly. "For all things are for your sake....that the abundant grace of God might through the thanksgiving of many will rebound to the glory of God" 2 Cor. 4:15.
Youth is really a great failure as all things get old. We have all seen the sorry state of those who try desperately to hold onto their youth. It is no different with spiritual growth. We might remember the first blush or pink cloud of our born again experience, I sure do. Oh how we wish to recreate it. I know I did, especially when I discovered I really was not so different within, even after seeing the light and gaining a eternal security in Christ. What a great disappointment!
The world does its best to exploit the needy youth syndrome we all seem to seek to fill the void. That should be very obvious. Its no different with the spiritual. The man made organized modern church is constantly working to exploit a fresh feeling via a new program, a sense of excitement to keep the youthful glow of attraction for the purpose, with good intent of course, to stimulate spiritual activity. But is that God's way? "Knowing this that the testing of your faith works patience" James 1:3.
If we focus in on our failing natural flesh features it can be quite depressing. On the other hand if we exploit the opportunity of maturity, even our very weakness, to grow in wisdom and knowledge in the spiritual we gain positive traction. But we need motivation for this! What is it that will push us forward? The Lord has said; "For we....worship God in spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and put NO confidence in the flesh" Phil, 3:33.
Perhaps the most paramount motivator then is first we must suffer in the flesh. We must leave it and this world behind for a new creation. Our Lord Jesus Christ should be our primary example of this truth; as a important catalyst for our growth in the spiritual life. "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ....if indeed we suffer with Him, that we might be glorified together" Rom. 8:16,17. Certainly we need go no further than the Apostles martyrdom and the historical [and present] persecution of Christians to see suffering has evidently been allowed by God and our daily struggle with sin confirms this, and in fact is used for His Glory. We must assume all for His purposes.
So what is it we must suffer on too in this age to find the maturity God so wishes for us? Is it the loss of our spiritual excitement? Perhaps becoming stogy inward grouchy know it all self righteous old timers? That doesn't seem very appealing. Yet many have accepted the loss of the first glow, the dewy continence once so fresh, trading it in for traditions and a certain church programed comfort. But then if satisfaction with the status quo will not due what are we to replace it with? Certainly not a little positive stimulation, a few songs and then its back to business. No we must acquire a life made available within God's new creation embracing the oneness [Heb. two] we have with Him. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" Rom. 8:18.
A wise man once said; "we will always be the same tomorrow as we are today, except for the people we meet and the books we read". So by that measure then it is knowledge and change which we must seek, to be attracted to a new creation identification and aware new creation existence. But again we must be motivated. Suffering usually does that. In our case, for the spiritual new creation to grow, we must first morn the loss of our connection to the old creature, to our inner worldly identification and the world system. Only the acceptance of the death of the old will suffice for that. Also the attraction to youthful stimulation and dependence on the usual must be set aside; as it is often being mistaken for spiritual activity, even spiritual growth. "My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials" James 2:2.
The great tragedy for the believer is the loss of conscious connection to the Lord Jesus Christ in glory; the very position and identification we occupy in the Lords mind, His intention for us morally. The lack of which will leave us to ourselves with only our own self sufficiency or wordily desire and stimulation for comfort. A position which many have taken on in substitution for a lack of the knowledge of a true spiritual reality. Missing that which the Lord has given in grace for our conscious awareness to contain; His very life and identification, the oneness of sanctification us together with His Son in the glory of His presence. All to be contained in our mind in a trusting attitude of responsible faith based upon knowledge of His Word!
Nothing but a intelligent and growing knowledge in attraction to the new creation we have become in the Lord Jesus Christ will satisfy the suffering heart. A personal knowledge of just who and what we now are in Christ is our only alternative for holding a conscious awareness of His provided heavenly moral position. Without which we suffer not only conscious loss of that provision, given in grace, but are left to our own devises. The very mercy that has delivered our souls becomes a hindrance, unless the Lord Jesus Christ Himself be the only object of attraction! We are finite, the object is infinite; confidence grows in the apprehension of Him! "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves, but out sufficiency is of God" 2 Cor. 3:5
Youth is really a great failure as all things get old. We have all seen the sorry state of those who try desperately to hold onto their youth. It is no different with spiritual growth. We might remember the first blush or pink cloud of our born again experience, I sure do. Oh how we wish to recreate it. I know I did, especially when I discovered I really was not so different within, even after seeing the light and gaining a eternal security in Christ. What a great disappointment!
The world does its best to exploit the needy youth syndrome we all seem to seek to fill the void. That should be very obvious. Its no different with the spiritual. The man made organized modern church is constantly working to exploit a fresh feeling via a new program, a sense of excitement to keep the youthful glow of attraction for the purpose, with good intent of course, to stimulate spiritual activity. But is that God's way? "Knowing this that the testing of your faith works patience" James 1:3.
If we focus in on our failing natural flesh features it can be quite depressing. On the other hand if we exploit the opportunity of maturity, even our very weakness, to grow in wisdom and knowledge in the spiritual we gain positive traction. But we need motivation for this! What is it that will push us forward? The Lord has said; "For we....worship God in spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and put NO confidence in the flesh" Phil, 3:33.
Perhaps the most paramount motivator then is first we must suffer in the flesh. We must leave it and this world behind for a new creation. Our Lord Jesus Christ should be our primary example of this truth; as a important catalyst for our growth in the spiritual life. "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ....if indeed we suffer with Him, that we might be glorified together" Rom. 8:16,17. Certainly we need go no further than the Apostles martyrdom and the historical [and present] persecution of Christians to see suffering has evidently been allowed by God and our daily struggle with sin confirms this, and in fact is used for His Glory. We must assume all for His purposes.
So what is it we must suffer on too in this age to find the maturity God so wishes for us? Is it the loss of our spiritual excitement? Perhaps becoming stogy inward grouchy know it all self righteous old timers? That doesn't seem very appealing. Yet many have accepted the loss of the first glow, the dewy continence once so fresh, trading it in for traditions and a certain church programed comfort. But then if satisfaction with the status quo will not due what are we to replace it with? Certainly not a little positive stimulation, a few songs and then its back to business. No we must acquire a life made available within God's new creation embracing the oneness [Heb. two] we have with Him. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" Rom. 8:18.
A wise man once said; "we will always be the same tomorrow as we are today, except for the people we meet and the books we read". So by that measure then it is knowledge and change which we must seek, to be attracted to a new creation identification and aware new creation existence. But again we must be motivated. Suffering usually does that. In our case, for the spiritual new creation to grow, we must first morn the loss of our connection to the old creature, to our inner worldly identification and the world system. Only the acceptance of the death of the old will suffice for that. Also the attraction to youthful stimulation and dependence on the usual must be set aside; as it is often being mistaken for spiritual activity, even spiritual growth. "My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials" James 2:2.
The great tragedy for the believer is the loss of conscious connection to the Lord Jesus Christ in glory; the very position and identification we occupy in the Lords mind, His intention for us morally. The lack of which will leave us to ourselves with only our own self sufficiency or wordily desire and stimulation for comfort. A position which many have taken on in substitution for a lack of the knowledge of a true spiritual reality. Missing that which the Lord has given in grace for our conscious awareness to contain; His very life and identification, the oneness of sanctification us together with His Son in the glory of His presence. All to be contained in our mind in a trusting attitude of responsible faith based upon knowledge of His Word!
Nothing but a intelligent and growing knowledge in attraction to the new creation we have become in the Lord Jesus Christ will satisfy the suffering heart. A personal knowledge of just who and what we now are in Christ is our only alternative for holding a conscious awareness of His provided heavenly moral position. Without which we suffer not only conscious loss of that provision, given in grace, but are left to our own devises. The very mercy that has delivered our souls becomes a hindrance, unless the Lord Jesus Christ Himself be the only object of attraction! We are finite, the object is infinite; confidence grows in the apprehension of Him! "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves, but out sufficiency is of God" 2 Cor. 3:5
Friday, June 3, 2016
TAKE YOUR POSITION
"God who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us....has made us alive together with Christ....and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" Eph. 2:4-6.
"Christian experience is our measure of apprehension of that which is already true of us in the Lord Jesus Christ"
The position we hold in our mind's eye in apprehension is all important. Formerly we were in the Adam of the garden position, our earthly father; the flesh, the natural man of sin. Which is also the condition of our present life as earth dwellers, as we continue possession of the old nature; "sin is in the flesh". However "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things have become new" 2 Cor. 5:17. So now all of our true eternal position is founded upon; "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" known "by faith". The new creature is of God, nothing of man; the position we are seen in Spirit, have been re-created into by the Father; within, through, unto [in the realm of] His Son. A heavenly position, wholly spiritual! This is the position we must take in our mind to honor God by the will of our faith!
"Risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised Him from the dead" Col. 2:12. So just what is it to hold a heavenly position under God's operation? It is simply this: by faith we trust and count as true what God has said of us in His Word. The fact; "God has raised us up together; and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" Eph 2:6. In other words we adopt God's view His intention for us seen within His Son. Which is NOT to be a earthly view based upon experience!
The natural desire and the tendency of all is to connect the Lord Jesus with ourselves on the earth, instead of accepting we are actually in living union with Him in heaven. The Lord by His word wishes for us to apprehend the reality of our true position; that we are seen by Him as outside of this scene. Which is made know to us by the Word, when we are apprehending Him within our true position. Thus we may approach the mind of God.
Yes we are thankful for Him, His Grace. He has made our path here in this evil world, which is under judgment. But our way is often obscured by the things we encounter here, worldly things; morals and duties, all of which become relied upon in comfort due to our unavoidable condition as Adam men. So in order to live His life, the one he made for us in His Son, we must inquire of Him in learning to take His position by the will of our faith; in a mental attitude as coming from Him in glory. To learn this path we cannot avoid our own individual mental preparation found only by searching His word by ourselves in our room alone! The organized earthly church which has adopted the experiential. entertainment, socialization community service, preparing the saints for His return, etc. path simply fogs our vision of His eternal spiritual truth.
If you do not know your position in the Lord Jesus as the definition of your function and form in the church on earth you simply cannot come out or live in the power He has provided in the heavenly realm position, know by faith in His words on the subject. Which thereby He has given us the means to live above the circumstances of earth and Adam. You can never take the heavenly position by self effort; including prayer, reading the word, devotions, works/service etc. No the pathway is brought exclusively by the Holy Spirit in your deep need of and realization of union with our risen Lord. In the new creation, we have become heavenly by nature. Now it is but for us to abide in that position. "Rest in the Lord and wait patently; and fret not" Ps. 37:7. So take your position! Warning constant vigilance is required.
"Risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised Him from the dead" Col. 2:12. So just what is it to hold a heavenly position under God's operation? It is simply this: by faith we trust and count as true what God has said of us in His Word. The fact; "God has raised us up together; and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" Eph 2:6. In other words we adopt God's view His intention for us seen within His Son. Which is NOT to be a earthly view based upon experience!
The natural desire and the tendency of all is to connect the Lord Jesus with ourselves on the earth, instead of accepting we are actually in living union with Him in heaven. The Lord by His word wishes for us to apprehend the reality of our true position; that we are seen by Him as outside of this scene. Which is made know to us by the Word, when we are apprehending Him within our true position. Thus we may approach the mind of God.
Yes we are thankful for Him, His Grace. He has made our path here in this evil world, which is under judgment. But our way is often obscured by the things we encounter here, worldly things; morals and duties, all of which become relied upon in comfort due to our unavoidable condition as Adam men. So in order to live His life, the one he made for us in His Son, we must inquire of Him in learning to take His position by the will of our faith; in a mental attitude as coming from Him in glory. To learn this path we cannot avoid our own individual mental preparation found only by searching His word by ourselves in our room alone! The organized earthly church which has adopted the experiential. entertainment, socialization community service, preparing the saints for His return, etc. path simply fogs our vision of His eternal spiritual truth.
If you do not know your position in the Lord Jesus as the definition of your function and form in the church on earth you simply cannot come out or live in the power He has provided in the heavenly realm position, know by faith in His words on the subject. Which thereby He has given us the means to live above the circumstances of earth and Adam. You can never take the heavenly position by self effort; including prayer, reading the word, devotions, works/service etc. No the pathway is brought exclusively by the Holy Spirit in your deep need of and realization of union with our risen Lord. In the new creation, we have become heavenly by nature. Now it is but for us to abide in that position. "Rest in the Lord and wait patently; and fret not" Ps. 37:7. So take your position! Warning constant vigilance is required.
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